Adjustable power and data rail for desks

ABSTRACT

An adjustable power and data rail for static height and vertically adjustable desks. The adjustable power and data rail fits between the static height and vertically adjustable desks and expands as needed either horizontally or vertically to match the installation configuration with paired multiple desks. The power and data rail provides connectivity for each of the static height or vertically adjustable desks to data and power connectors.

BACKGROUND

Vertically adjustable desks are often grouped together in multipleworking group configurations. This includes a number of desks which havea work surface which is supported by a first and a second leg, both thefirst and the second leg of the desk are vertically adjustable to changethe elevation of the work surface. Such adjustable desks are becomingmore popular due to the flexible height of the work surface and theability of the user to sit at the desk work surface or stand at the worksurface of the desk. Further, while it is common to join multiple desksinto connected work surfaces, providing power and data to these variousinstallation configurations can prove difficult. Not only are thevertically adjustable desks provided in varying lengths, but due to theability to raise the desks, the height necessary for data and powerports is modified depending on a particular configuration.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure includes adjustable power and data rails forstatic height and vertically adjustable desks. The adjustable rails canbe combined into connected adjustable power and data rails tointerconnect between multiple combined vertically adjustable or staticheight desks. For example, a first and a second adjustable power anddata rail may be combined beneath a plurality of, for example, fourvertically adjustable desks wherein the power and data rails areconnected below and between the vertically adjustable desk worksurfaces. In implementations the adjustable power and data rails areadjustable in both the vertical and horizontal directions in order tomatch the height and length requirements of the joined verticallyadjustable desks.

For example, the adjustable power and data rails may be adjustablehorizontally with respect to the static height or vertically adjustabledesks to adjust for varying length requirements of the deskinstallation. In some implementations, the adjustable power and datarails may be horizontally adjustable by utilizing telescoping railextensions which are received into a central rail assembly. The overallhorizontal length of the power and data rail may thus be adjusted byinserting the rail extensions at either a first and/or a second end ofthe central rail assembly. Each of the rail extensions may be lockedinto their positions, when either one or both are utilized on eitherside of the central rail assembly, by a securing mechanism. For example,at least one set screw may be utilized to secure the horizontal positionof the rail extension with respect to the central rail assembly. Invarious implementations, the securing mechanism may fit into a railadjustment slot of the central rail assembly securing the central railassembly and the rail extension into place relative to each other.

The adjustable power and data rails may also be vertically adjustablewith respect to the vertically adjustable desks to adjust for varyingheight requirements of the vertically adjustable desk installation. Insome implementations, the adjustable power and data rails may bevertically adjustable by utilizing a rail post having a telescopingupper and lower rail post sections. The upper rail post may receive therelated rail extension to form the power and data rail under theentirety or a portion of the vertically adjustable desk assembly. Theoverall vertical height of the power and data rail may thus by modifiedby adjusting and securing with respect to each other the upper and lowerrail post. The upper or lower rail post may be secured with a securingmechanism which may extend through an outer of the upper or lower railpost to secure the outer post relative to the inner post. Either theupper rail post or the lower rail post may be utilized as the inner postor the outer post.

For example, the lower rail post may telescopically fit into theinterior of the upper rail post and slide vertically relative thereto.In some examples, the lower rail post may be secured in position withrespect to the upper rail post by use of securing mechanisms. Forexample a first and a second set screw may extend through the outer,upper rail post, to secure the position of the upper rail post withrespect to the inner, lower rail post such that the lower rail postslides vertically into the upper rail post.

In some examples, the adjustable power and data rails include a firstand a second end rail post with a single or multiple interposed centralrail posts. Each of the first and the second end rail posts may bevertically adjustable. A central rail post may receive the power anddata rails from respective first and second end rail posts, the centralrail post also being vertically adjustable in similar fashion ascompared to the first and second end rail post.

Power and data lines may be fitted and extend along at least a portionof the length of the data rails including the rail extensions and therail assembly which receives the rail extensions. In otherimplementations, the rail extensions may receive the central railassembly and either construction is included in the teachings hereof.Further a wire tray may be fitted along at least a portion of the lengthof the central rail assembly.

In implementations, the central rail posts and the first and the secondend rail posts may each be vertically adjustable. Also, the railassembly may be horizontally adjustable in combination with theadjustable end and central rail posts.

In implementations, the adjustable power and data rail may be positionedbelow and along the length of a plurality of vertically adjustabledesks. For example, the adjustable power and data rail may be positionedbelow a quadrant of vertically adjustable desks. In otherimplementations, the adjustable power and data rail may be positionedbelow a triad of vertically adjustable desks wherein the adjustablepower and data rails include a central rail post and a first, second andthird end rail post. In implementations, the adjustable power and datarail, regardless of the number of vertically adjustable desks, can beboth vertically and horizontally adjustable to match the requiredvertical desk installation.

In further examples, the adjustable power and data rail may include atthe first and second end rail post a foot bracket which has a first anda second aperture for receiving the respective foot pad from opposingstatic height or vertically adjustable desk foot. In someimplementations, the adjustable power and data rail may include at thecenter rail posts a central foot bracket which has a first, second,third and fourth aperture for receiving the respective foot pad fromopposing desks. For example, in some implementations, the foot brackethas multiple apertures to receive a foot leveling pad from one desk andat least another foot pad from a facing desk to secure the desks inposition relative to the adjustable power and data rail and relative toeach other.

In additional implementations, the adjustable power and data rail mayinclude a center rail post which includes a central foot bracket foraffixation to adjacent and/or facing respective static height orvertically adjustable desk foot. For example, in some implementations, acentral rail post central foot bracket may include a first, second,third and fourth attachment point or flanges which affixes above,underneath or adjacent to respective first, second, third and fourthdesk foot.

Further, in implementations, extending between the first and the secondend rail posts may extend the power and data lines either interiorly orexteriorly of the horizontally adjustable rail assembly and railextensions.

In various implementations, the adjustable power and data rail may becombined with a plurality of vertically adjustable desks wherein thedesks include a horizontal work surface and a first and a secondvertically adjustable or static leg. Each of the first and the secondleg may include a desk foot, the desk foot for the desk having a firstand a second desk foot pad. In examples, a foot pad of respective facingdesks may be positioned within a respective aperture of the foot bracketfor the adjustable power and data rail posts to secure the respectivefacing desks relative to the power and data rail.

Each of the vertically adjustable desk may also have an electric motorto adjust the vertical position/height of the horizontal work surface.The electric motor may be operable by power controls for the verticallyadjustable desk allowing the height of the first and the secondvertically adjustable legs of the desk to be adjusted withoutnecessitating adjustment of the power and data rails extending below thevertically adjustable desks.

Various implementations of an adjustable power and data rail for usewith vertically adjustable desks are disclosed herein.

In some implementations, the present disclosure sets forth an adjustablepower and data rail for use with vertically adjustable desks including asingle or multiple center rail posts and at least a first and a secondend rail post, wherein between the center rail posts and each of the atleast first and second end rail post is a rail assembly and a first anda second rail extension, each of the first and second rail extensionhorizontally adjustable relative to the rail assembly; the center railposts and each of the first and the second end rail post having an upperrail post and a lower rail post vertically adjustable relative to eachother; each of the rail assembly between the center rail post and eachof the first and the second end rail post having a wire tray; each ofthe center rail posts and the first end rail post and the second endrail post having a foot bracket, each of the center rail posts and thefirst end rail post foot bracket and second rail post foot brackethaving a first and a second foot receiving aperture and center rail postfoot brackets having a first, second, third and fourth foot receivingaperture; the first end rail post foot bracket first aperture positionedto receive a first static height or vertically adjustable desk foot pad;the first end rail post foot bracket second aperture positioned toreceive a second desk foot pad; the second end rail post foot bracketfirst aperture positioned to receive a third desk foot pad; the secondend rail post foot bracket second aperture positioned to receive afourth desk foot pad.

These and other implementations disclosed herein may optionally includeone or more of the following features.

In some embodiments, the center rail post has a central foot bracket,the central foot bracket positioned to attach to the first, second,third and fourth vertically adjustable desk. In some implementations,the central foot bracket has a first, second, third and fourth flange,the first flange positioned to attach to the first vertically adjustabledesk, the second flange positioned to attach to the second verticallyadjustable desk, the third flange positioned to attach to the fourthvertically adjustable desk. In other implementations, the first, second,third and fourth flanges are each a flat flange positioned to affix toan underside surface of a desk foot of the respective verticallyadjustable desk.

In various embodiments, the rail assembly between the center rail postand the first end rail post has a longitudinal slot which receives atleast one securing mechanism extending into the first rail extensionbetween the first end rail post and the center rail post. Additionally,such embodiment may optionally include the rail assembly between thecenter rail post and the second end rail post having a longitudinal slotwhich receives at least one securing mechanism extending into the firstrail extension between the second end rail post and the center railpost.

In embodiments, the rail assembly between the center rail post and thefirst end rail post is tubular and wherein the rail assembly between thecenter rail post and the second end rail post is tubular. Optionally therail assembly between the center rail post and the first end rail postmay have at least one data port and at least one power port and whereinthe rail assembly between the center rail post and the second end railpost has at least one data port and at least one power port.

In some implementations, the center rail post foot bracket includes fourapertures to accept the foot pad from a first, second, third and fourthstatic height or vertically adjustable desk.

In some implementations, the center rail post is securely affixed orpositioned to retain the first, second, third and fourth static heightor vertically adjustable desk by a central rail post foot bracket, thecentral bracket attaching to lower surface of a desk foot for eachrespective first, second, third and fourth vertically adjustable desk.

In other implementations, each of the first, second, third and fourthvertically adjustable desk have a first vertically adjustable leg and asecond vertically adjustable leg supporting a work surface, the worksurface raised and lowered by the first and the second verticallyadjustable leg.

Also described is an adjustable power and data rail for use withvertically adjustable desks, comprising: at least one center rail postand at least a first and a second end rail post, wherein between thecenter rail post and each of the at least first and second end rail postis a rail assembly and a first and a second rail extension, each of thefirst and second rail extension adjustable relative to the rail assemblyto modify the length of the adjustable power and data rail; the centerrail posts and each of the first and the second rail post having anupper rail post and a lower rail post adjustable relative to each otherto modify the height of the adjustable power and data rail; each of therail assemblies between the center rail posts and the at least first andthe second end rail post having a wire tray; the adjustable power anddata rail interposed between at least a first and a second verticallyadjustable desk.

These and other implementations disclosed may optionally include one ormore of the following features.

In some embodiments, each of the first end rail post has a first footbracket and the second end rail post has a second foot bracket.Optionally this may include the first end rail post first foot bracketreceives a first vertically adjustable desk foot pad; the first end railpost first foot bracket receives a second vertically adjustable deskfoot pad; the second end rail post second foot bracket receives a thirdvertically adjustable desk foot pad; the second end rail post secondfoot bracket receives a fourth vertically adjustable desk foot pad.

In still further implementations, a third end rail post and a third railassembly between the third end rail post and the center rail post, and afirst rail extension extending between the center rail post and thethird rail assembly, and a second rail extension extending between thethird end rail post and the rail assembly.

Further, set forth is an adjustable power and data rail for use withvertically adjustable desks, comprising: a center rail post secured to aflat central foot bracket, the central foot bracket respectivelyreceiving a desk foot of a first, second, third and fourth verticallyadjustable desk; the center rail post attached to a first end rail postby a first and second rail extension having a first rail assemblyinterposed between the first and the second rail extension; the firstrail assembly, first and second rail extension adjustable relative toeach other and between the center rail post and the first end rail post;the center rail post attached to a second end rail post by a third and afourth rail extension having a second rail assembly interposed betweenthe third and the fourth rail extension; the second rail assembly, thirdand fourth rail extension adjustable relative to each other and betweenthe center rail post and the second end rail post; the first and thesecond end rail post each having an upper rail post and a lower railpost slidable relative to each other; the first end rail post receivinga foot pad from the first and the second vertically adjustable desk; thesecond end rail post receiving a foot pad from the third and the fourthvertically adjustable desk.

These and other implementations disclosed herein may optionally includeone or more of the following features.

In various implementations, the adjustable power and data rail may beimplemented in combination with static or variably height desks.

In some embodiments, each of the first end rail post and the second endrail post have a foot bracket, each of the first end rail post footbracket and second rail post foot bracket having a first and a secondfoot receiving aperture. Optionally such may include the first end railpost foot bracket first aperture is positioned to receive a first staticheight or vertically adjustable desk foot pad; the first end rail postfoot bracket second aperture positioned to receive a second staticheight or vertically adjustable desk foot pad; the second end rail postfoot bracket first aperture positioned to receive a third static heightor vertically adjustable desk foot pad; the second end rail post footbracket second aperture positioned to receive a fourth static height orvertically adjustable desk foot pad.

In other embodiments, the first rail assembly between the center railpost and the first end rail post is tubular and wherein the second railassembly between the center rail post and the second end rail post istubular. Optionally, the first rail assembly slidingly receivesinternally the first and the second rail extension and wherein thesecond rail assembly slidingly receives internally the third and thefourth rail extension.

In still further implementations, the first rail assembly between thecenter rail post and the first end rail post has at least one data portand at least one power port and wherein the second rail assembly betweenthe center rail post and the second end rail post has at least one dataport and at least one power port.

It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing conceptsand additional concepts described in greater detail herein arecontemplated as being part of the subject matter disclosed in thisspecification. For example, all combinations of claimed subject matterappearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being partof the content and subject matter disclosed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a lower perspective view of a system and grouping ofvertically adjustable desks having an adjustable power and data railtherebetween;

FIG. 2 depicts a bottom view of the system and grouping of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 details an upper perspective view of an adjustable power and datarail disclosed herein;

FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view of the power and data rail of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 details a lower perspective view of the power and data rail footbracket interconnected with desks, as shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a side sectional close up view of a portion of the power anddata rail of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the power and data rail of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is side sectional view of an adjustable rail post for use withthe power and data rail system disclosed herein;

FIG. 9 is another embodiment for an upper perspective view of theadjustable power and data rail system utilized in a different verticallyadjustable desk configuration;

FIG. 10 is a top view of the system of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 depicts an upper perspective of another embodiment of the systemof FIG. 1 wherein the center rail post and attachment bracket have analternative center rail post and center rail post foot bracket;

FIG. 12 depicts a lower perspective view of the system of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 depicts an upper perspective of an additional embodiment of thesystem of FIG. 9 wherein the center rail post and the attachment brackethave an alternative center rail post and center rail post foot bracket.

FIG. 14 depicts a lower perspective view of the system of FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various implementations are disclosed herein for an adjustable power anddata rail which can be used for static height and vertically adjustabledesks. In various implementations, the adjustable power and data railmay be adjustable in both the vertical and horizontal directions therebyaccommodating differing length vertically adjustable desk installations.

As depicted in FIG. 1, a grouping of vertically adjustable desks 100 areprovided having an adjustable power and data rail 50 interposed betweengroups of paired facing desks 100. The adjustable power and data rail 50is positioned to feed both power and data connectivity to each of thevertically adjustable desks within the group. Further, depending on theparticular style or installation of vertically adjustable desks 100, theadjustable power and data rail 50 may be accommodated by modifying thelength and/or height of the rail 50.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a grouping of vertically adjustable desks100 are in paired face to face relationship. The power and data rail 50is positioned in between pairs of desks and is adjustable horizontally,depending on the width of the desks 100, or vertically as may bedictated by connectivity concerns or height requirements for the desks.Each of the desks are vertically adjustable by a control 108 whichraises and lowers the working surface 101 by virtue of the adjustablelegs 110 which are expanded or retracted by at least one electric motorpositioned within the vertically adjustable legs.

Each of the vertically adjustable desks 100 includes legs 110 which havea desk foot 104 and desk foot pad 105. Each of the desks within thecombined configuration may be independently adjusted vertically withinthe grouping while the power and data rail 50 interconnects the group ofdesks together by use of the end post rail foot bracket 34 and centerrail post central foot bracket 43, 49 or 49 c. As a result, theelectrical and data connectivity of the desks 100 to the adjustablepower and data rail 50 can be maintained and secured.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, the adjustable power and data rail includes two endrail posts 31 a and a center rail post 31 b. Positioned between thecenter rail post 31 b and each of the end rail posts 31 a is a railassembly 38 and a first and a second rail extension 36. The railextensions 36 positioned at either end of the rail assembly provide theability to adjust each left and right portion of the adjustable powerand data rail horizontally to fit various width vertically adjustabledesk configurations. For example, each rail extension 36 may fit ortelescope into an interior portion of the rail assembly 38 and beadjustable along the length of the rail extension 36. In some instances,the individual rail extensions may telescope into the rail assembly andbe secured in position to allow for extended length. In still furtherinstances, the rail assembly may fit or telescope into the railextension allowing for horizontal adjustment of the length of theadjustable power and data rail system 50.

The horizontal length of the power and data rail 50 may be adjustedbased upon the length of each of the rail extensions 36. For example, inthe embodiment depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, the power and data rail 50 maybe horizontally adjusted up to four times the length of each of the railextensions 36. Various implementations may include each of the fourindividual rail extensions 36 depicted. Other embodiments may includefewer rail extensions. For example, in some implementations, a singlelonger rail extension may be provided at one end of the rail assemblywherein the opposite end of the rail assembly directly or indirectlyattaches to the end rail post 31 a or center rail post 31 b. Variousimplementations may incorporate modifications to the rail extensions 36to allow for increased expandability. For example, in someimplementations, a single longer rail extension 36 may be provided onone end of the rail assembly 38. In other implementations, variouscombinations of single, double or no rail extensions may be provided.

Each of the rail extension 36 depicted in the figures slidingly engagesthe adjacent rail assembly 38 to allow for horizontal or widthadjustability. As depicted in these figures as well as FIGS. 6 and 7,the rail extension may slide relative to the rail assembly 38. Forexample, the rail extension as shown may telescope internally to therail assembly. Other configurations may be implemented such as, forexample, the rail assembly sliding into the interior of the railextension, bolt on extender blocks between the rail extension and therail assembly, or other structure allowing for adjustable horizontalexpansion or decrease of the length of the power and data rail 50.

In various implementations, securing mechanisms may be implemented tosecure the relative position and horizontal adjustability of the railextension to the rail assembly. For example, in some implementations, arail assembly slot 37 may be provided to receive a lockingscrew/securing mechanism 47. The locking screw 47, extending through theslot 37, may secure the relative position of the two structures once theoverall length and position is decided. Other configurations of asecuring mechanism may be implemented. For example, instead of a slot, aplurality of apertures may be provided for a securing device to extendthrough the rail assembly to the rail extension. As well, many types ofsecuring devices may be implemented as a securing mechanism/lockingscrew. For example, cam levers, compression nuts or other structure mayfixate the rail extension position relative to the rail assemblyposition. Also, for example, similar devices may be provided to fixatethe rail assembly position relative to the rail extension position ifalternative adjustable movement is implemented. For example, if the railassembly telescopes into the rail extension, alternative securingmechanism are supported for fixating relative positions.

Similarly, vertical adjustment may be implemented at each of the centerrail post 31 b and the end rail posts 31 a. Vertical or heightadjustability may be provided at each of the posts. For example, anupper rail post 30 and lower rail post 32 combination allows relativemovement between the upper and lower rail post 30/32 to adjust theoverall vertical position of the rail assembly 38 for the adjustablepower and data rail 50. In implementations, a lower rail post 32 mayslide relative to the upper rail post 30 to adjust for varying heightrequirements. For example, the lower rail post may slide or telescopeinto upper rail post 30 and be secured relative thereto. As depicted inthe figures and in combination with FIG. 8 and the center rail posts 31c of FIGS. 11-14, the lower rail post 32 may fit into the upper railpost for the center rail post 31 b/31 c. The position of the twostructures of the lower and upper rail post 30/32 may be fixated bylocking screws/securing mechanisms 47. Lower rail post 32 may also havean adjustable foot pad 42 at a lower end therein that is verticallyadjustable by threads or other securing mechanism.

In implementations, securing mechanism 47 for the center and end railpost 31 b/31 a may lock the relative positions of the two upper andlower rail post structures. For example, locking screws and adjustmentslots may be configured. In other examples and configurations, aplurality of apertures may receive the mechanisms allowing a fasteningstructure to extend through an outer structure to affix or providepressure to an inner structure. Other securing devices may be used inplace or in addition thereto such as cam locks or similar devicesdescribed herein. Alternatively, in some implementations, the center andend rail posts can be fixed in height with adjustable foot pads whichraise and lower the height of the power and data rail structure. Inimplementations, means are provided to adjust the vertical positioningof the power and data rail structure at each of the rail posts toequalize their height.

In such implementations, the vertical height of the power and data rail50 may be adjusted at each of the rail posts 31 a, 31 b, 31 c. Thevariability of the vertical adjustment may be modified through thelength of the upper and lower rail posts 30, 32 or with regards toadditional structure interposed between the lower rail post 32 and therail post foot bracket 34 as noted.

Rail post foot bracket 34 may attach to a lower end of the lower railpost 32 to increase the stability of the contact point of the rail post31 a and the ground. Securing or affixing the power and data rail 50 tothe vertically adjustable desks 100 may also include foot bracket 34provided with a first and a second aperture 41 a, 41 b at opposing endsof the foot bracket. Foot bracket apertures 41 a, 41 b as shown in FIG.5, may interlock with the associated desk foot pad 105. Providingapertures 41 a, 41 b in the bracket 34 allows the foot pads 105 fromadjacent desks to be evenly positioned on the floor or supportingsurface as the bracket 34 thereby positioning them at common horizontalheight. Foot bracket apertures 41 a, 41 b allow for securing theadjustable power and data rail to the vertically adjustable desks. Forexample, forward facing vertically adjustable end legs may beinterlocked in the bracket 34 as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 securing thevertically adjustable desks to the power and data rail.

Securing or affixing the power and data rail 50 to the verticallyadjustable desks 100 may also include the central foot bracket 43.Central bracket can be considered a center rail post foot bracket forretaining desks in adjacent relationship. For example, central footbracket 43 may include attachment flanges at four points to attach tothe underside of vertically adjustable desks foot 104 which are allco-adjacent in a quadrant. For example, a quadrant of four verticallyadjustable desks, is formed by placing them in paired front facingrelationship thereby positioning four adjacent desk foot 104, as shownin FIG. 2, all of which may be attached to the central foot bracket 43of the adjustable power and data rail 50. Central foot bracket 43 mayvariously be affixed to the plurality of adjacent desk feet 104. Forexample, the bracket may be placed on a lower surface, side surface orupper surface. Alternatively, bracket may provide sleeves for desk feet104 to fit into or ay secure to a portion of the vertically adjustableleg 110 of the desk 100.

Alternatively, as depicted in FIGS. 11, 12, 13, 14 the central footbracket 49, 49 c may receive the associated desk foot pad within fourreceiving apertures of the central foot bracket 49. In such manner, thecentral foot bracket allows the power and data rail 50 to securely beconnected to the adjacent desks while also removing the requirement ofdirect attachment of the desk to the bracket. In such implementation,central post 31 c may be fully adjustable for the modifiable height ofthe power and data rail similar to the end posts while also allowing thepower and data rail to be secured to the desks by simply receiving therespective foot pad within bracket 49. The central post 31 c may beconstructed of a two-piece post similar to the end posts wherein the twoposts structures form an upper and lower post such as upper and lowerpost 30, 32 of the end rail post. Further, such central post 31 c may betelescoping and adjustable to modify the height of the central post 31 csimilarly to the end posts 31 a. Further, in the variations shown inthese figures, a central partition 70 may be provided between facingdesks and supported by partition brackets 71. As well, in variations,the data port and power port 33, 35 may be positioned respectively onthe outward facing surface of the power and data rail or in multiplefaces, such as for example mixing the positions of the power and dataports on a side surface, bottom surface or combination thereof.

As shown in the figures, rail assembly 38 in implementations may have ahollow interior allowing for wire ways for cable or other wiring toextend. Data ports 35 and electrical ports 33 may be provided at variouslocations of the rail assembly 38 allowing for connectivity of uservertically adjustable desk user devices. Associated wire trays 39 alonga portion of the length of the rail assembly may be provided to retainlength of cables connected to the data ports or the power ports 33. Dataports 35 are depicted as being provided on an outer surface of the railassembly 38 but may be placed at any position along the outward facingside or lower surface of the rail assembly, or combinations thereof, foraccessibility. Similarly the power line ports 33 may be positioned alongthe rail assembly at desired locations to allow user devices to accesspower fed to the power line ports from standard line voltage powersources.

Various configurations of vertically adjustable desks may utilize theassociated adjustable power and data rail 50. For example, linear deskconfigurations, T-shaped, 4-way and 120-degree desk configurations maybe integrated with the adjustable power and data rail system disclosedherein. For example, as depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10, verticallyadjustable desk configuration 200 utilized 120-degree configuration ofthe adjustable power and data rail 260. Rail 260 may include a 3-waycentral post 212 which connects to three different rail assemblies 210a, 210 b and 210 c. Each of the rail assemblies may include a previouslydescribed rail assembly and rail extensions. For example, the railassembly 210 a/b/c may each include a single rail assembly with railextensions on either ends of the rail assembly and may also includepower and data rail foot bracket 34 at the respective end posts.

The 120-degree configuration 200, as depicted, includes three verticallyadjustable desks 202 a, 202 b and 202 c and an adjustable power and datarail 260 interposed between facing desks. The data rail assemblies 210a, 210 b and 210 c carry data and power lines for connection by userdevices. The power and data rail 260 is similarly adjustable in both thevertical and horizontal direction as noted herein using the various railextensions and alternatives as well as the upper and lower rail postsand alternatives described. The center rail post 212 is connected toeach of the respective three end posts while having a respective railassembly extending between the central rail post and the end rail post,along with the rail extension as needed. Vertically adjustable deskattachment bracket 220 may affix adjacent vertically adjustable deskfeet together to secure the various desks together. Attachment bracket220 may be provided at the joinder point of any adjacent desk feet.

As depicted in the further variations of FIGS. 13 and 14, anotherembodiment of the 120-degree desk configuration 200 is depictedsimilarly positioned but with vertically adjustable central post 31 cand receiving bracket 49 c. In such variation, while receiving bracketis positioned centrally to the three desks, it has a triangularconfiguration to increase stability of the power and data rail 50 sincethe rail branches between the three desks at 120 degrees. The centralreceiving bracket 49 c does not receive an associated desk foot pad froman adjacent desk but is provided as a central stabilization point forthe rail 50. Brackets 220 may be provided to secure adjacent desks toone another.

While several inventive embodiments have been described and illustratedherein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision avariety of other means and/or structures for performing the functionand/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantagesdescribed herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications isdeemed to be within the scope of the inventive embodiments describedherein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciatethat all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations describedherein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters,dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon thespecific application or applications for which the inventive teachingsis/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able toascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalentsto the specific inventive embodiments described herein. It is,therefore, to be understood that the foregoing embodiments are presentedby way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claimsand equivalents thereto, inventive embodiments may be practicedotherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventiveembodiments of the present disclosure are directed to each individualfeature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein.In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems,articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems,articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent,is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood tocontrol over dictionary definitions, definitions in documentsincorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the definedterms.

The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in thespecification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to thecontrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in theclaims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements soconjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some casesand disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with“and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” ofthe elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be presentother than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause,whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/or B”, when usedin conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer,in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other thanB); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elementsother than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionallyincluding other elements); etc.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should beunderstood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. Forexample, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall beinterpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, butalso including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and,optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated tothe contrary, such as “only one of” or “exactly one of,” or, when usedin the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactlyone element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or”as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusivealternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded byterms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or“exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims,shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “atleast one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should beunderstood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more ofthe elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including atleast one of each and every element specifically listed within the listof elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the listof elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally bepresent other than the elements specifically identified within the listof elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether relatedor unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as anon-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “atleast one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) canrefer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including morethan one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements otherthan B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally includingmore than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elementsother than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionallyincluding more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including morethan one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to thecontrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one stepor act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarilylimited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method arerecited.

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitionalphrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,”“containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are tobe understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limitedto. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consistingessentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases,respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual ofPatent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03. It should be understoodthat certain expressions and reference signs used in the claims pursuantto Rule 6.2(b) of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (“PCT”) do not limit thescope.

1. An adjustable power and data rail for use with static height orvertically adjustable desks, comprising: a center rail post and at leasta first and a second end rail post, wherein between the center rail postand each of the at least first and second end rail post is a railassembly and a first and a second rail extension, each of the first andsecond rail extension horizontally adjustable relative to the railassembly; the center rail posts and each of the first and the second endrail post having an upper rail post and a lower rail post verticallyadjustable relative to each other; each of the rail assembly between thecenter rail posts and each of the first and the second end rail posthaving a wire tray; each of the first end rail post and the second endrail post having a foot bracket, each of the first end rail post footbracket and second end rail post foot bracket having a first and asecond foot receiving aperture; the first end rail post foot bracketfirst foot receiving aperture positioned to receive a first verticallyadjustable desk foot pad; the first end rail post foot bracket secondfoot receiving aperture positioned to receive a second verticallyadjustable desk foot pad; the second end rail post foot bracket firstfoot receiving aperture positioned to receive a third verticallyadjustable desk foot pad; the second end rail post foot bracket secondfoot receiving aperture positioned to receive a fourth verticallyadjustable desk foot pad.
 2. The adjustable power and data rail of claim1 wherein each of the center rail posts having a center rail post footbracket, each center rail post foot bracket having a first, second,third and fourth foot receiving aperture; the center rail post footbracket first aperture positioned to receive first vertically adjustabledesk foot pad; the center rail post foot bracket second aperturepositioned to receive second vertically adjustable desk foot pad; thecenter rail post foot bracket third aperture positioned to receive thirdvertically adjustable desk foot pad; the center rail post foot bracketfourth aperture positioned to receive fourth vertically adjustable deskfoot pad.
 3. The adjustable power and data rail of claim 1 wherein thecenter rail post has a central bracket, the central bracket positionedto attach to the first, second, third and fourth vertically adjustabledesk.
 4. The adjustable power and data rail of claim 3 wherein thecentral bracket has a first, second, third and fourth flange, the firstflange positioned to attach to the first vertically adjustable desk, thesecond flange positioned to attach to the second vertically adjustabledesk, the third flange positioned to attach to the third verticallyadjustable desk, and the fourth flange positioned to attach to thefourth vertically adjustable desk.
 5. The adjustable power and data railof claim 3 wherein the first, second, third and fourth flanges are eacha flat flange positioned to affix to an underside surface of a desk footof the respective vertically adjustable desk.
 6. The adjustable powerand data rail of claim 1 wherein the rail assembly between the centerrail post and the first end rail post has a longitudinal slot whichreceives at least one securing mechanism extending into the first railextension between the first end rail post and the center rail post. 7.The adjustable power and data rail of claim 6 wherein the rail assemblybetween the center rail post and the second end rail post has alongitudinal slot which receives at least one securing mechanismextending into the first rail extension between the second end rail postand the center rail post.
 8. The adjustable power and data rail of claim1 wherein the rail assembly between the center rail post and the firstend rail post is tubular and wherein the rail assembly between thecenter rail post and the second end rail post is tubular.
 9. Theadjustable power and data rail of claim 8 wherein the rail assemblybetween the center rail post and the first end rail post has at leastone data port and at least one power port and wherein the rail assemblybetween the center rail post and the second end rail post has at leastone data port and at least one power port.
 10. The adjustable power anddata rail of claim 1 wherein the center rail post is connected to thefirst, second, third and fourth vertically adjustable desk by a centralfoot bracket, the central foot bracket receiving a desk foot pad foreach respective first, second, third and fourth vertically adjustabledesk.
 11. The adjustable power and data rail of claim 1 wherein each ofthe first, second, third and fourth vertically adjustable desks have afirst vertically adjustable leg and a second vertically adjustable legsupporting a work surface, the respective work surface for each deskraised and lowered by the respective first and the second verticallyadjustable leg.
 12. An adjustable power and data rail for use withstatic height or vertically adjustable desks, comprising: a center railpost and at least a first and a second end rail post, wherein betweenthe center rail posts and each of the at least first and second end railpost is a rail assembly and a first and a second rail extension, each ofthe first and second rail extension adjustable relative to the railassembly to modify the length of the adjustable power and data rail;each of the center rail posts and each of the first and the second endrail posts having an upper rail post and a lower rail post adjustablerelative to each other to modify the height of the adjustable power anddata rail; each of the rail assembly between the center rail posts andthe at least first and the second end rail post having a wire tray; theadjustable power and data rail interposed between at least a first and asecond desk.
 13. The adjustable power and data rail of claim 12 whereineach of the first end rail post has a first foot bracket and the secondend rail post has a second foot bracket.
 14. The adjustable power anddata rail of claim 12 wherein the first end rail post first foot bracketreceives a first vertically adjustable desk foot pad; the first end railpost first foot bracket receives a second vertically adjustable deskfoot pad; the second end rail post second foot bracket receives a thirdvertically adjustable desk foot pad; the second end rail post secondfoot bracket receives a fourth vertically adjustable desk foot pad. 15.The adjustable power and data rail of claim 12 further comprising athird end rail post and a third rail assembly between the third end railpost and the center rail post, and a first rail extension extendingbetween the center rail post and the third rail assembly, and a secondrail extension extending between the third end rail post and the railassembly.
 16. The adjustable power and data rail of claim 12 wherein thedesks are vertically adjustable desks.
 17. An adjustable power and datarail for use with static height or vertically adjustable desks,comprising: a center rail post secured to a central bracket, the centralbracket respectively receiving a desk foot of a first, second, third andfourth vertically adjustable desk; the center rail post attached to afirst end rail post by a first and second rail extension having a firstrail assembly interposed between the first and the second railextension; the first rail assembly, first and second rail extensionadjustable relative to each other and between the center rail post andthe first end rail post; the center rail post attached to a second endrail post by a third and a fourth rail extension having a second railassembly interposed between the third and the fourth rail extension; thesecond rail assembly, third and fourth rail extension adjustablerelative to each other and between the center rail post and the secondend rail post; the first and the second end rail post each having anupper end rail post and a lower end rail post slideable relative to eachother; the first end rail post retained to the first and the secondvertically adjustable desk; the second end rail post retained to thethird and the fourth vertically adjustable desk.
 18. The adjustablepower and data rail of claim 17 wherein each of the first end rail postand the second end rail post have a foot bracket, each of the first endrail post foot bracket and second end rail post foot bracket having afirst and a second foot receiving aperture.
 19. The adjustable power anddata rail of claim 18 wherein the first end rail post foot bracket firstfoot receiving aperture is positioned to receive a first verticallyadjustable desk foot pad; the first end rail post foot bracket secondfoot receiving aperture positioned to receive a second verticallyadjustable desk foot pad; the second end rail post foot bracket firstfoot receiving aperture positioned to receive a third verticallyadjustable desk foot pad; the second end rail post foot bracket secondfoot receiving aperture positioned to receive a fourth verticallyadjustable desk foot pad.
 20. The adjustable power and data rail ofclaim 17 wherein the first rail assembly between the center rail postand the first end rail post is tubular and wherein the second railassembly between the center rail post and the second end rail post istubular.
 21. The adjustable power and data rail of claim 20 wherein thefirst rail assembly slidingly receives internally the first and thesecond rail extension and wherein the second rail assembly slidinglyreceives internally the third and the fourth rail extension.
 22. Theadjustable power and data rail of claim 20 wherein the first railassembly between the center rail post and the first end rail post has atleast one data port and at least one power port and wherein the secondrail assembly between the center rail post and the second end rail posthas at least one data port and at least one power port.